Nestled in the heart of the ever-growing Mile End district, Café Olimpico has undoubtedly been one of Montreal's best-kept secrets. In a city known for its multiculturalism, Café Olimpico's European flavor definitely fits the bill. Founded in 1970 by the late Rocco Furfaro, this vibrant and charming café has not only withstood the test of time but has brought together people from all walks of life. From the businessman who sips his early morning espresso, to the artists and students who leisurely enjoy their afternoon cappuccino, Café Olimpico has proven to be a great place to meet great people.
Across reviews, Café Olimpico is consistently praised for outstanding coffee with authentic Italian character, including rich espressos, smooth cortados, and flavorful lattes, often paired with beloved pastries like tiramisu and cannoli. The atmosphere is described as warm, cozy, and lively, with real Italian café vibes, old school decor, sports on TVs, and a buzzing terrace in nice weather. Staff are repeatedly noted as friendly, efficient, and welcoming, helping it feel like a neighborhood hub even during busy periods, though lines and seating can be limited. The spots are seen as Montreal institutions open early and late, with multiple locations maintaining the same charm and quality, and the overall experience is described as a go to for coffee purists craving a true Italian cafe vibe. Desserts and pastries, especially cannoli and pistachio items, are highlighted as must tries, and the quality of the coffee is often described as epic and consistently well balanced. Some reviews mention occasional bathroom or outdoor cleanliness issues during peak times, but these do not overshadow the strong coffee, vibrant energy, and community feel that define Café Olimpico. Overall, Café Olimpico is viewed as a top destination in Montreal for great coffee, tasty sweets, and a lively, sociable atmosphere.
Excellent coffee options & italian sweets. Very popular & trendy place! I've been here a few times & there's usually quite the lineup for service. No table service, you have to line up, order & pay at the counter & then find a inside table or outdoor seating. A good spot to watch european sports & have a coffee. Street parking can be challenging depending on when you go.
Very nice atmosphere at this café. The coffee & donut were both delicious. There are indoor tables & outdoor benches where you can sit & enjoy your drink. It was especially nice in the summer.
Jul 26, 2025
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Cute, vibey coffee shop with a super friendly staff & the perfect ambiance for reading, writing, or enjoying a relaxed afternoon. I ducked into Cafe Olimpico to hide from the rain, & it was such a pleasant surprise of a spot; the barista was super friendly & clearly knew all of the locals / regulars. The line moves pretty slowly, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend this spot if you're in a rush, but it's a great spot if you're okay with a more relaxed pace & want to spend a few minutes chatting with the barista.
The cafe tends to be rather crowded, but if you manage to snag a spot at a table, it's a super cozy spot to hang out. I love the stone walls & dark wooden furniture, which gives the whole shop a very homey vibe. I ended up staying there for well over two hours (even though the rain had long since passed), & it was delightful.
The coffee is solid, but not the highlight of this cafe. I also love that they're open late, so it's a great spot for evening / night hang-outs.
One of our favorite places to grab a delicious coffee here in Montréal. We love having the option to either enjoy indoors or outdoors on their extensive patio. Plenty of seating for everybody & people watching on the street. Their coffee is consistently rich delicious & flavorful. Even if there's a line up, it moves very quickly like a well-oiled machine!
Still in the conversation for one of the better cafes in all of Montreal Olimpico in the plateau is the best olimpico imo always consistent great coffee in a great part of town been coming here since a kid with my father !
Jun 24, 2025
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Cafe Olimpico: Where Dreams of Intellectualism Go to Perch (for Three Hours)
Ah, Cafe Olimpico. The jewel of Mile End, where the discarded youth of Laval flock to cosplay as literary giants. If you've ever yearned to witness the pinnacle of performative productivity, this is your Mecca. Here, the aroma of stale coffee mingles with the subtle scent of desperation from those trying to impress their imaginary agents.
The main attraction, of course, is the congregation of'aspiring' artists &'deep thinkers.' They arrive, clutching their dog-eared copies of *Infinite Jest* (which they've definitely read beyond page 10), & settle in for their three-hour coffee ceremony. Don't expect scintillating conversation; the only audible sounds are the soft clatter of MacBooks & the occasional, deeply profound sigh.
The coffee itself? It's... coffee. But that's hardly the point, is it? You're not here for the caffeine; you're here for the *ambiance*. The priceless opportunity to observe young people in their natural habitat, meticulously crafting their online personas while appearing utterly detached from the world.
So, if you're looking for a quiet place to actually get some work done, keep walking. But if you're in the mood for a masterclass in hipster theatrics, grab a (lukewarm) latte, find a corner, & enjoy the show. Just try not to make eye contact; you might disrupt their carefully constructed aura of aloof intellectualism.
Looking for the best espresso in Montreal? Stop what you're doing & RUN to Café Olimpico in Mile End! This legendary spot has been serving up rich, authentic Italian coffee since 1970, & trust me-the espresso here is next-level. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just need your daily fix, their smooth, perfectly balanced shots will have you dreaming of Rome.
The vibe is unbeatable: classic Italian décor, soccer flags, & a buzzing terrace where locals & visitors mingle like old friends. The staff are always welcoming & the service is fast, even when there's a line out the door (which is often!). Pair your coffee with a fresh pastry, tiramisu, or biscotti, & soak in the old-school charm that makes this place a true Montreal institution.
Open early & late, Café Olimpico is perfect for a morning pick-me-up, a lazy afternoon, or a late-night espresso run. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out on a real Montreal experience. Five stars, hands down-the gold standard for coffee in the city!
May 26, 2025
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Here, as Italian, I am not only happy to find a good espresso or cappuccino, I am proud to find such a'bar' as we would call this in Italy representing real Italian food & coffee tradition. Everything is authentic & the vibe is great on a rainy weekend morning
